Concept Papers for CoPro2.0: Shaping Equitable and Sustainable College Promise Programs

The Kresge Foundation has issued a request for concept papers for the CoPro2.0: Shaping Equitable and Sustainable College Promise Programs

Trough this $2.6 million funding opportunity, Kresge will award up to seven grants of varying award amounts. Separately and together, funded projects are expected to show how College Promise programs at community colleges have the potential to advance equity and help dismantle systemic racism; improve postsecondary outcomes for historically marginalized populations; reinforce the capacity of community colleges to provide high-quality postsecondary education, and improve the well-being of students and local communities; and partner with other organizations to leverage resources and maximize program contributions to ensure long-term sustainability.

Concept papers are invited for projects that focus on one of three streams of work:

Program Innovations and Redesign: Projects facilitating partnerships that expand or enhance services, re-imagine eligibility criteria, and foster institutional reforms. Concept papers are invited from place-based college promise programs, community college districts, state higher education coordinating boards, systems, or commissions, and other public or nonprofit organizations (501c3 entities). It is unlikely that a single community college program would be awarded a grant, but some exceptions may apply. The per-grant maximum for this stream of funding is $300,000 total for up to two years.

Research on Financial Sustainability: Projects investigating public-private financing partnerships and exploring innovative financial models. Researchers from a range of professional settings (e.g., academic, think tank, community-based organization) are invited to apply for this stream. Applicants that actively engage community colleges as partners are of particular interest. The per-grant maximum for grants in this stream is $200,000 total for up to two years.

Strategic, Local, and State Implementation Guidance for the Biden-Harris Administration's Tuition-Free Community College Proposal: Applicants representing intermediary networks, think tanks, and advocacy organizations, as well as College Promise researchers at all levels, are invited to apply. One- to two-year grants of up to $150,000 will be available for policy, research, and intermediary organizations to provide strategic guidance on implementation.

Questions about the program will be accepted until July 30 and concept papers are due August 9. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by September 20, 2021.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Kresge Foundation website.